Zidane: “I don’t get happy because of the defeats of our rivals”

Zinedine Zidane was in a rare chatty mood during his Friday press conference, discussing a number of topics in detail. Firstly, he spoke about Saturday’s match against Osasuna and the need to be focused on this fixture rather than think about Chelsea on Wednesday.

The coach said: “Before Wednesday, we first have to think about Saturday, Not everybody will be able to play. But, we’re going to put out the best team we can to win. We have to do things well tomorrow against Osasuna.”

Asked if Barcelona’s defeat to Granada changes his plans at all, Zidane dismissed that notion. He replied: “No, it doesn’t change anything. What happens elsewhere, we can’t control that. I don’t get happy because of the defeats of our rivals. We need to work hard and we know it’ll be difficult. There are seven matches to go [he is including the Champions League final] and we’ll compete to the end.”

Zidane won’t have Dani Carvajal available, as he has become the latest name on the medical report. Asked about all the injuries, Zidane didn’t want to blame any one person or party. He said: “It’s not easy to manage a squad like Real Madrid’s squad. Everyone has an opinion about this. It isn’t easy and we’ve had lots of difficulties. Whose fault is that? I don’t think there’s a need to find someone to blame. It has been a strange year in every sense. Preparation is fundamental for players and we haven’t had that this year. We’ve had more injuries than most, but to reach the end of the season in the good position we’re in... Ooft. This means I’m very happy with what the guys have been doing. When there’s problems, there are solutions.”

Zidane also revealed that Ferland Mendy won’t be ready to face Osasuna on Saturday and said that Marcelo will fulfill his electoral duties on Tuesday after being called up to assist with the region’s vote, but that the Brazilian will be with the team on Wednesday for the Chelsea game.